What Does Come Over the Top Mean in Poker?
“Come Over the Top” is a strategic poker play where a player raises or re-raises an opponent’s initial bet or raise. This move is often used to exert pressure, take control of the hand, or exploit perceived weaknesses in an opponent’s range. Learn more about online poker.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Come Over the Top:
- During a cash game when a player wants to aggressively respond to a preflop raise.
- In a tournament setting, to push back against aggressive opponents and gain momentum.
In-Game Example:
You hold KQ in the big blind. The player on the button raises 3x the big blind. Instead of just calling, you “come over the top” with a re-raise to 9x, aiming to either take the pot down immediately or see a flop heads-up with initiative.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Use this move when you have a strong hand or a read that your opponent is weak, to maximize fold equity and define the range.
- Common Mistake: Overusing this strategy without considering your opponent’s tendencies or the strength of their range.
- Pro Tips: Coming over the top is particularly effective in late position against early position raisers, where their range might be more defined.
- Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online: In live poker, physical tells can be a key factor in deciding when to come over the top. Online, rely more on bet timing and statistical analysis.
Alternative Names:
- 3-bet
- Re-raise
FAQs:
Q: When should I avoid coming over the top?
A: Avoid this strategy when facing an opponent who rarely folds to aggression or when your hand lacks post-flop playability.
Q: How does stack size affect the decision to come over the top?
A: Players with larger stacks can apply more pressure with this move, while those with smaller stacks might use it to commit themselves to a shove on later streets.
